Patent attributes
An idler roller assembly comprises a base frame which includes first and second spaced-apart mounting brackets, a support frame which includes a support tube that comprises a first end which is positioned adjacent the first mounting bracket and a second end which is positioned adjacent the second mounting bracket, and a locking shaft assembly which includes a stationary sleeve which is secured to the first mounting bracket and a rotating sleeve which is rotatably supported by the stationary sleeve and is secured to the first end of the support tube. The stationary sleeve comprises a first contact surface and the rotating sleeve comprises a second contact surface, and the locking shaft assembly further includes a lock spool which comprises a first lock surface which conforms to the first contact surface and a second lock surface which conforms to the second contact surface. In addition, the lock spool is movable between a first position in which the first lock surface is engaged with the first contact surface and the second lock surface is engaged with the second contact surface to thereby prevent the rotating sleeve from rotating relative to the stationary sleeve, and a second position in which the first lock surface is engaged with the first contact surface but second lock surfaces is disengaged from the second contact surface to thereby allow the rotating sleeve to rotate relative to the stationary sleeve. Thus in the first position of the lock spool the support frame is prevented from pivoting relative to the base frame, and in the second position of the lock spool the support frame is allowed to pivot relative the base frame.
